Eric and Marina met the way most people do these days: by swiping right on Bumble. Marina’s bold first message? A very creative: “Morning Eric!” Somehow, it worked. What followed quickly grew into a conversation full of laughter and curiosity. A playful debate over the 24 Challenge math game—something Eric had crushed in fourth grade and Marina’s students still play—sparked an instant connection. Eric joked that downloading the app was worth $1.99… if it came with a first date. From that moment on, the rest unfolded naturally.

Eric and Marina’s first date took place at Tequila and Taco in Alexandria. Over margaritas and chips and queso, they began to truly get to know each other. Eventually, they wandered to Murphy’s Irish Pub, where they found seats at the corner of the bar. It was there, perched on those stools, that Eric—like a true gentleman—asked if he could kiss Marina. To this day, she still gets butterflies every time they walk into that pub. When closing time came, Marina remembers telling Eric that her face hurt from smiling so much, but she wasn’t ready for the night to end. After hours of conversation and board games at Eric's apartment, they realized the sun was already rising. Ten hours after their first hello, Marina went home with the certainty that this was the start of something special.

In July 2024, Marina and Eric left for a 15-day European adventure as boyfriend and girlfriend. They came back engaged. The trip began in Iceland, where they raced the midnight sun to see waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacial lagoons. They ate hot dogs, walked the rainbow road for ice cream, and soaked in geothermal pools. Still boyfriend and girlfriend. In Amsterdam they biked the canals, toured the Heineken factory, and ate their way through the city’s diverse food scene. Not the place for a proposal. Brussels brought chocolate, beer, and a calm, cozy pace—with a day trip to Ghent. Still no ring. Then came Paris, alive with the 2024 Olympic Games. After a train ride spent sitting on the floor (thanks to canceled cars), they joined the crowds in the rain at the Opening Ceremonies. Marina and Eric cheered on Team USA at water polo, tennis, and beach volleyball. They climbed the Eiffel Tower, sampled escargot, and were dazzled by the Moulin Rouge. But with so much excitement, there was no time for a proposal. With two days free before friends arrived, they escaped to Orléans in the Loire Valley. After exploring Chateau Chenonceau, they went to the river for a glass of wine at sunset. Eric fumbled with the wine bottle, the opener breaking in his hands, but muscled through They shared the wine while reminiscing about their travels. All the while, Eric was scanning for a couple to take their photo. Finally, he spotted one and suggested a picture. In that instant, Marina knew. As they posed against the pink and blue sky, Eric dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. Marina said yes, and the adventure of a lifetime truly began.